New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael isn’t known for being a great quote. He comes across as shy and quiet in interviews.

But Carmichael is one of those guys you need to listen to when he does have something to say because his thoughts usually carry some weight.

Carmichael and assistant head coach Joe Vitt met with the New Orleans media to discuss Wisconsin wide receiver Nick Toon, who the Saints drafted in the fourth round. Carmichael was asked if Toon compares to any other receiver he’s ever worked with.

“His range and his hands remind me more of [Marques] Colston,’’ Carmichael said. “He runs better than I think people give him credit for. He was timed real well at the combine. I think that speed shows up on film.”

Any comparison to Colston is pretty high praise for a receiver coming into New Orleans’ offense. Since arriving in New Orleans as a seventh-round pick in 2006, Colston has been Drew Brees’ favorite and most-productive target.

Toon had some medical issues in his college career, but Vitt said that’s not a concern.

“Our doctors passed him on his physical,’’ Vitt said. “I believe he missed only one game his senior year, the Indiana game, where he probably could have played in the game. I think he’s going to have to work through some issues in the National Football League, but they all do. Robert Meachem missed his whole first year. We have good medical grades on him. We like his production with over 60 catches.’’

If Toon turns out to be anything close to what Colston has been, the Saints just helped themselves.

he is a good addition but my issue he is much the same as most of WR. mid range sure handed. well i the saints always pull a rabbit out of there hat at WR.

burningmetal

04-29-2012 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hagan714
(Post 401655)

he is a good addition but my issue he is much the same as most of WR. mid range sure handed. well i the saints always pull a rabbit out of there hat at WR.

Yeah I thought they might go for a speed guy if they drafted a WR at all, to replace Meachem. Toon seems very comparable to Adrian Arrington, which makes you wonder a little why they needed another possession receiver, but what I like about Toon is he is a very polished route runner and though not fast, he runs a little better than Adrian. So it should be a healthy competition between those two.

Carmichael compared him a little to Colston, but I think that may be pushing it. Marques is the same general size as both Toon and Arrington, but he has a better knack at this time for getting open and is more physical, and does a better job at yards after catch. I still like the pick though.

dizzle88

04-29-2012 02:59 AM

As stated in the comment above what's good about this pick is that Toon looks to be a more polished WR than Arrington etc

People said that Colston wasn't fast but he still burns people, I think that if the reports are true about this guy he will be contributing early, he may not be a burner but you can't have too many solid route runners with excellent hands, very good pick can't wait to see him play.

Sean Payton will be annoyed that he can't draw up plays to utilise his newest toy

Crusader

04-29-2012 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dizzle88
(Post 401670)

People said that Colston wasn't fast but he still burns people, I think that if the reports are true about this guy he will be contributing early, he may not be a burner but you can't have too many solid route runners with excellent hands, very good pick can't wait to see him play.

Solid route runner with excellent hands, that description fits on a guy named Jerry Rice. Not saying Toon will be that good, just that speed isn't everything.

WhoDat!656

04-29-2012 06:11 AM

Saints could have Jerry Rice, Randy Moss and Tory Holt at their prime, but they are worthless without Brees!

Seal the deal already!! And I am not slamming the Saints or Brees; want him signed so the Saints will have some stability without Payton during the season.